As a former college-level athlete, I appreciate the tremendous impact sports have on the development of character and work ethic. It is hard to imagine a world without sports.
However, sports do come with their own set of risk factors, some of which could result in severe and permanent injury that could follow a child for the rest of his or her life.
A traumatic brain injury is defined as a blow to the head or a penetrating injury that disrupts normal brain function.
Typically, the brain is shaken within the skull, which can cause bruising at the point of impact and where the brain then impacts the skull.
In severe cases, it can cause shearing or tearing of brain cells as the brain moves over the bony parts of the skull. A person can lose consciousness, be confused or disoriented, and/or have residual cognitive impairment (i.e., memory, attention), personality changes and be at greater risk for the onset of seizures.
Although not necessary to diagnose a concussion, even a brief loss of consciousness following a blow to the head is indicative of a head injury.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (2005), 309,322 sports-related head injuries were treated at U.S. emergency rooms.
It is estimated that brain-related football injuries occur at a rate of one in every 3.5 games and that 15 percent of the players suffer at least one concussion each season (AANS, 2005).
However, recent research has shown that girls soccer is a leader in head injuries. This is believed to be related to the fact that girls' necks are not as strong, making them more susceptible to injury.
In most cases, a head injury is mild (i.e., a stinger) and the individual recovers without residual difficulties.
However, if the person continues to participate in sports and is injured before he or she has fully recovered, the results could be devastating.
Additionally, the effects of head injuries are cumulative, meaning with a new injury, the effects will be a result of the current injury plus the results of any previous injuries, even if they fully recovered from the initial one. Repeated injuries will make a full recovery less likely and it is impossible to predict the head injury that will result in serious consequences.
To avoid head injury, in any sport or recreational activity, participants always should wear appropriate safety gear, the playing surface should be free from debris, and parents should select leagues or teams that are committed to enforcing appropriate safety strategies.
More recently, the Youth Sports Act was signed into law. It is scheduled to take effect July 1, in time for the 2012-13 academic year.
The act outlines a plan to prevent and manage concussions that result from participation in interscholastic athletics. It requires education of coaches and parents, as well as outlines steps to evaluate head injuries and guidelines for deciding when a student can return to play.
In the end, it is the responsibility of the parents and the coaches to protect students. It may be devastating for the child to think of a life without contact sports; however, it will be more devastating if the child dies or is left permanently disabled due to continued play.
All things considered, if the potential dangers are appreciated and appropriate protective measures are taken, sports can be a wonderful tool in your child's development.
For more information on neuropsychological evaluation, visit www.lycominghealthyliving.com.
Seiler is a licensed psychologist and neuropsychologist and sees clients through Associates in Neuropsychology and Collaborative Healthcare, PC.